My Favorite Things: January
My Favorite Things is a monthly segment where I share my personal and current favorites in seasonal products, health & beauty, food, decor, movies, TV, and more. I hope you enjoy these personal picks!
TV
The Cupcake Guys
Former NFL teammates Michael Griffin and Brian Orakpo are joined by their longtime friend, Bryan Hynson, in opening a franchise of Gigi’s Cupcakes in Austin, Texas.
I love shows about food and especially those that focus on baking. I’m not too familiar with NFL players but it was cool to see Michael, Brian, and Bryan team up to expand their business. Their cupcakes look amazing and too good to eat. As with most businesses, the journey is full of ups and downs and this series gives a glimpse of a business trying to bounce back from Covid. It’s a short series that is easily binge-able and very enjoyable to watch.
Podcasts
That Wasn’t In My Texbooks
The weekly podcast that helps us uncovers the things we always wish you learned from that boring bulky textbook.
That Wasn’t In My Textbook podcast was founded on the belief that history is not boring and focuses on things we should have learned in school and/or are important. It’s refreshing and interesting to listen to this podcast. So many times in school the same information was regurgitated over and over again. This is a great podcast for those who want to educate themselves more about the history that surrounds us.
YouTube
The Real “BEEF” the Western Music Industry has with K-Pop
As a longtime K-Pop fan, I always have wondered why some artists go global and others don’t in the Western music market. Music insider, Brooke, uses her experiences to show the difference between the industries and nuances that rise with global promotions.
Goals Are Cringey
I’ve started to watch Madisyn’s videos more and I enjoy her commentary/video essays on different topics. This video tackles the “that girl” aesthetic seen in media and online. I thought the video was interesting to dismantle the “soft life” concept and how she discusses its comparison to hustle culture. I think sometimes people confuse a “soft life” with a “comfortable life” and that it takes hard work to achieve those goals.
Howl’s Moving Castle: Self Love
Howl’s Moving Castle is my favorite Ghibli movie so I enjoy listening to any commentary on this film. This video essay focuses on the self-love journey the main characters go through in the film as well as the commentary on war which the movie also touches on. I thought it was very insightful.
Music
Pretty Girl Era by Lu Kala
When you need a song to uplift you and give you a confidence boost, Pretty Girl Era is that track. It’s got a funky groove to it making it a danceable and a great song for car karaoke. It reminds you to strut your stuff and believe in yourself.
Moonlight Sunrise by TWICE
TWICE was one of my top listened-to artists on Spotify in 2022 and they released hit single after hit single. Starting off 2023 strong this track is an instant earworm that I’ve had on repeat non-stop. The lyrics are catchy and the song makes you want to dance.
What are some of your favorite things from January? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
